Derrick Baker didn’t need much time on Friday night to remind Tennessee why he’s such an intriguing 2027 commit. The Milton quarterback put together a big all-around performance in a 42-21 win over Battle Ground Academy, accounting for five total touchdowns with three through the air and two on the ground.
For Baker, the night was another step in a senior season that has taken on extra meaning after an injury last year. He said the recovery period helped shape the way he sees himself as a player.
"I'm kind of just developing more as a leader. Just being versatile in anything I do.
If I got to run, I'm going to do it to my max effort. If I got to pass, you know I'm going to be picking at the defense and throwing touchdowns," Baker said.
That versatility showed up all over the field. Baker made plays as a passer, as a runner, and as a creator when things broke down. On his first touchdown, he slipped away from a blitzing defender in the pocket and still kept his eyes downfield before finding his target for the score.
"I'm proud of my receivers, you know they are out there running great routes, and my o-line's blocking is amazing. I'm standing back there (in the pocket) like I'm sitting on the couch," Baker said
Baker also did plenty of damage with his legs. He finished with 11 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, using his size and toughness to keep drives alive and push through contact. At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, he’s not the kind of quarterback defenses want to bring down over and over again.
"I've been that tough to tackle for a little while. I've been able to express it this year more, obviously with the injury last year. I'm going to go get every yard that I can," Baker explained.
Baker said he plans to get to as many Tennessee home games on Rocky Top as he can. He also has a few teammates he’d like to see join him on the orange side, including offensive linemen Joshua Evans and Landon Ghea, both of whom hold Tennessee offers, along with Keelan Wonsley.
"I mean, mainly my o-linemen, Joshua Evans and Landon Ghea. I know both guys hold Tennessee offers.
Keelan Wonsley is another. He's an overall athlete.
He plays offense, defense, and special teams. He does it all for our team," Baker said.
Right now, Baker said no other schools are talking to him and that his focus is locked on Tennessee and his senior year. But he has been around another campus recently for a reason that had nothing to do with recruiting. Baker plays for C1N, the 7v7 program of Cam Newton, and was at Auburn when Newton served as an honorary captain for the Week 1 game against the Tigers.
Baker said Newton has had a major impact on him, especially in the way he approaches the mental side of the position.
"He's (Coach Cam) really helped me more with mentality, I'd say. He's helped focus on the emotional part.
I think back in my junior year going into the Buford game, my emotions were up-and-down through those plays. So, this year I have just been locking in on being the same guy, every play no matter what."
He said Newton’s biggest message has been simple: stay loose and stay authentic.
"I think the best piece of advice is to really just be yourself. I think when I first joined C1N, I was kind of trying to play in the different roles as a quarterback, but I think I embrace myself, as you know, I'm going to be everything.
Everything I can be and everything the coaches ask of me is really what he (Newton) has taught me. He's also helped me to dissect defenses, yes, but also telling me, hey, I played quarterback, physically.
You know, I know how to get down, though."
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For a program that routinely sends talent into the league, the first weekend served as another reminder of how wide the Volunteer footprint can stretch once the season begins. Some names flashed in the spotlight right away, others quietly handled full workloads up front, and a few were just taking their first steps as pros. The full list of contributions was long enough to fill out a useful early-season snapshot, even if the most memorable moment belonged to Palmer. [Read more 🡒]